As society evolves, so does the need for transportation of humans, animals and merchandise. This has consequently led to the increase of pest infestations in road and rail transportation. A characteristic of all these methods of transport is the compact space, which may limit movement making pest detection and cleaning more demanding. Particularly in public transportation, the large number of different passengers can cause additional problems regarding the spread of such organisms.
Defon, based on its extensive experience, has developed an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system which can directly and efficiently focus in the right places using methods that do not cause problems to passengers (irritants, allergies, etc.). Defon’s team works systematically to meet the needs of trains, buses, trucks, caravans, taxis, private cars, etc
As society evolves, so does the need for transportation of humans, animals and merchandise. This has consequently led to the increase of pest infestations in trains, coaches, buses, trucks, caravans, taxis, private cars, etc. A characteristic of all these methods of transport is the compact space, which may limit movement making pest detection and cleaning more demanding. Particularly in public transportation, the large number of different passengers can cause additional problems regarding the spread of such organisms.
Defon, based on its years of experience, adapts to the individual needs of each one of these methods of transport and treats them accordingly.
Reasons to control pest infestations
Some of the most important reasons to control pest infestations in these methods of transport include:
- Protecting the health of any person there that could be at risk in a pest-infested environment, by:
- preventing direct transmission of diseases from pests to humans, e.g.
- murine typhus caused by Rickettsia typhi bacterium, transmitted via flea bite.
- preventing indirect transmission of diseases from pests to humans caused through contamination of food and/ or surfaces with pathogens, e.g.
- food poisoning caused through transmission of E-coli bacteria via cockroaches in the train’s food carriage, etc.
- Preventing a loss of merchandise due to damage and/or destruction of them and/or their packaging caused by pests.
- Preventing damage to vehicles, carriages and their equipment that could also jeopardize the safety of any person there, e.g.
- rodents may gnaw at wiring causing short circuits and even fire.
- Protecting any person there from the distress caused by pest presence and from the possible panic that is intensified in confined spaces.
- Preventing loss of customers and damage to reputation that occurs when the news of pest presence is communicated, resulting in a further decline of clientele (in public transport and leased vehicles).
- Preventing the imposition of sanctions by the health authorities that range from fines up to suspension of the operating permit and prosecution of the owners, e.g.
- in train canteens.
Pests relevant to this sector
Pests that are frequently detected and cause major problems in these methods of transport are listed below. For additional information refer to section: Pest library.
Rodents (mice, rats)
Cockroaches
Bedbugs
Fleas
Lice
The solution offered by Defon
Defon, based on years of experience, addresses the above issues by implementing its Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system which is adapted to the specifics of these methods of transport. The following is a general description of this system’s methodology, detailing some characteristic examples.
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The development and implementation of the Action plan.
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Service report submitted within the Report folder.
Public transportation, trucks and freight trains, are at a higher risk of pest infestations. This may occur on public transportation due to the high number of passengers from different areas of society and the luggage they carry. Similarly, trucks and freight trains also carry high volumes of merchandise that could be from multiple sources. For ongoing protection and detection of infestations from the start, it is proper for pest control contracts to include frequent supervision rather than solely treatments.
The most significant problems are identified on the Site survey, during which Defon investigates:
- Inadequacies to proofing of vehicles and carriages, e.g.
- gaps under the doors in train carriages.
- Hygiene standards, such as cleaning methods and schedules, e.g.
- the seats where organic debris usually accumulates attracting pests.
- Food preparation, serving and storage areas such as train canteens, etc. For additional information on this topic refer to Restaurant, Catering and Food industry sector.
- Driver and passenger areas, e.g.
- seats and train bunks have been found infested by bedbugs and fleas.
- Public areas such toilets.
- Storage areas for luggage and merchandise. Pests can transfer from infested boxes and luggage to these areas, e.g.
- infested luggage areas have been observed even in taxis.
- Difficult areas to access, such as behind light, ceiling and floor panels, where pests could remain undetected until it’s too late, eg. areas as such, have been found infested by cockroaches.
- Surrounding areas, such as garages, depots, railway tunnels, etc. Although bus, train stations, etc. fall into this category, these are examined to the Other industries with heavy public involvement sector.
In certain circumstances, where necessary and possible, specialized Fumigation services can be carried out, amongst others.
As part of Defon’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system, if requested, support can be offered through Consultation Services with education and training regarding prevention of pest problems and proper hygiene.
Defon ensures the protection of road and rail transportation from pests, whilst keeping health, safety and the environment in mind. The company's team works systematically, focusing directly and effectively in the right places, addressing the needs with the most appropriate method.
